JCPD warns residents about spate of fake cops in region

JCPD warns residents about spate of fake cops in region

Jefferson City police are warning residents about the potential of someone posing as a police officer to pull over vehicles.

It hasn't happened in Jefferson City yet, but it has happened in other parts of Mid-Missouri.

"Our vehicles have alternating lights, the left light goes on then the right light goes on in rapid succession," said Capt. Doug Shoemaker. "In addition, our unmarked vehicles have red and blue interior lights to indicate who we are."

"Nobody should stop if it's just for flashing bright lights a couple of times, like what has happened in these recent cases," Shoemaker added.

"All our police vehicles have sirens, which are only used if we see a driver is not paying attention to our lights or they are starting to fail to yield."

Shoemaker also said unless it was in a tactical or undercover operation, it's very rare that Jefferson City officers would pull someone over in plain clothes.

"If this does happen, then a citizen should request identification, and by ordinance officers are required to provide that identification."